Because enslaved people could not be taught to read or write, there are few written records from that period. Further, the art of photography was yet to be developed. Thus, images from that period are paintings or sketches. Above is a rendition of what a residence of a swamper might look like. Typically built on islands, or hummocks, that might be only a few feet above water level, shelters were basic and had to be built and maintained typically without basic manufactured items such as nails or proper tools.
Below are a series of images from that period, including representations of the enslaved fleeing their captivity.
